Flower power rules

Along with crocuses and daffodils comes another surefire sign of spring: florals in fashion. The garden-party look is a seasonal classic, but there has been some updating this season, such as tulip-style hemlines and fabric petals adorning tank tops as well as ball gowns. Flowers, say designers, are an endless source of inspiration because of their delicacy, femininity and beauty. Here’s what some international designers feel about offering florals in their spring collections:

Carmen Marc Valvo: He saw the rebirth of his peony trees as a hopeful sign, so he used pinks, chiffon petals and “dewdrops” of crystals. A few years later, he blew up Georgia O’Keefe-style flowers as prints. “I was fixated by the way petals moved and I started playing with organza like an origami rose,” he says.

Tracy Reese: Peonies are also a favourite for Reese, since they’re a welcome sign of sunny days ahead after a long winter. “I wear florals and plaid, a striped sweater and a floral-print skirt, but sometimes there’s nothing more beautiful than a spring garden dress,” she says.

Shoshanna Lonstein: According to her, florals look chic and sophisticated when they are anchored with black or on tailored pieces. “You don’t want too much fabric,” she advises. “Try sleeveless or the top part of dress that’s floral with a black skirt or vice versa. Pull one colour out of the print and stick with it for the rest of the outfit.”

Peter Som: Som is yet another peony fan, and he also has a thing for green roses. There are some orchids in his house right now that he is trying to revive, but its not going all that great.